Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR PLUS N319SV accident near Elyria, Ohio

Probable cause

The failure of the canopy latch spring, which caused the canopy to open during initial climb. Contributing to the accident was the installation of an improper part in the canopy latch assembly, which led to the failure of the canopy latch spring.

NTSB analysis

During initial takeoff climb after performing a touch-and-go landing, the airplane's canopy opened to the forward position. The pilot landed the aircraft on the remaining runway; however, the airplane departed the end of the runway, struck a landing threshold light, and came to rest upright. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the canopy latch spring had failed. In addition, the spring mounting plate used to hold the spring in position did not have a relief area machined into the plate that was required for the correct operation of the spring. The spring and assembly had been installed approximately 32 hours prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA308 for the full record.